Names & Legend
Most of the Shakti Peeths are in India, but several important ones lie in neighbouring countries, and Bangladesh is home to some of the most renowned. Among them, Chattal Shakti Peeth is one of the most famous. Its name comes from Chattal, the old name of the region of Chattogram (Chittagong).
When Lord Shiva roamed the universe in grief with the body of Sati, Lord Vishnu divided it with his Sudarshan Chakra, and her body fell at many places that became Shakti Peeths. At Chattal, Sati’s right arm is believed to have fallen.
Location
The Shakti Peeth is on the Chandranath hill near Sitakunda in Chattogram district, Bangladesh. The town of Chattogram – known locally as Chatgaon or Chittagong – is the main city of the region and the usual starting point for pilgrims.
The Goddess & Bhairava
The Goddess is worshipped here as Bhavani, the giver of life. Lord Shiva as Bhairava is called Chandrashekhar, “the one who wears the moon on his head”. Local belief holds that Lord Shiva himself promised to dwell on Chandrashekhar (Chandranath) mountain in the Kali Yuga.
Today the Chandranath Temple stands on the summit of the hill and is one of the holiest places for Hindus in Bangladesh. The shrine of Devi Bhavani is the main attraction, and the climb through forested slopes is itself a part of the pilgrimage, rewarding devotees with views over the Bay of Bengal.
Interesting Facts
The Chandranath hills have long been honoured by kings and poets. Records say that Raja Biswambhar Sur tried to reach Chandranath by sea around 900 years ago, and the great poet Jayadeva, author of the Gita Govinda, is said to have lived here for a time. The shrine was enriched in the reign of the Tripura king Dhanya Manikya; according to legend, he tried to carry the Shiva symbol of the temple away to his own kingdom but could not move it.
The Sitakunda area has many other sacred sites, including hot springs and smaller temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Goddess.
Festivals & Worship
The biggest event is the Shiva Chaturdashi (Maha Shivaratri) fair in February–March, one of the largest Hindu gatherings in Bangladesh, when lakhs of devotees climb the hill through the night to offer prayers. Navaratri and Durga Puja are also celebrated with devotion at the shrine of Bhavani.
Spiritual Significance
The right arm is a symbol of strength, protection and righteous action. Devotees pray to Bhavani for courage and success, and to Chandrashekhar, the moon-crowned Shiva, for a calm and steady mind. For the Hindus of Bangladesh, Chandranath is one of the most important places of pilgrimage, and the climb to the summit is seen as an act of devotion in itself – each step an offering to the Mother.
The Sitakunda area is described in old texts as a land of many holy pools and springs, and pilgrims believe that the sacred waters here purify both body and mind before darshan.
Visiting Tips
Start the climb early in the morning to avoid the heat, wear good walking shoes and carry water. During the Shiva Chaturdashi fair the paths are very crowded, so move carefully and follow local guidance. Dress modestly, remove footwear before entering the shrine, and follow the instructions of the priests. Simple offerings such as flowers, fruit, vermilion, a red chunri and incense are traditional, and it is good practice to buy them from the stalls near the temple, which also supports local families.
How to Reach & When to Visit
Pilgrims travel to Sitakunda, which has a railway station on the Dhaka–Chattogram line and is about 37 km by road from Chattogram city. From the town, a steep path with steps leads up to the temple on the hilltop. The dry, cool months from November to March are the best time to visit; the climb is difficult in the heavy monsoon rains. Visitors from India need a valid passport and Bangladesh visa.